Chrysanthemum plant named Pink Impala

ABSTRACT

A Chrysanthemum plant named Pink Impala, particularly characterized by its flat capitulum form; single daisy capitulum type; lavender pink ray floret color; diameter across the face of the capitulum of 45-75 mm; excellent growth habit, and its yellow-green to yellow disc florets.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum, botanically known as Chrysanthemum morifolium, and referred to by the cultivar name Pink Impala.

Pink Impala is a spontaneous mutation of Impala, disclosed in a pending application of applicant. The new cultivar was discovered by applicant in a cultivated bed of plants of the parent cultivar Impala in De Lier, Holland in 1984.

The first act of asexual reproduction of Pink Impala was accomplished when vegetative cuttings were taken after discovery of the mutation in a controlled environment in De Lier, The Netherlands by a technician working under formulations established and supervised by Jacques C. M. Van der Knaap. Horticultural examination of selected units has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosed for Pink Impala are firmly fixed and are retained through successive generations of asexual reproduction.

Pink Impala has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary significantly with variations in environment such as temperature, light intensity, and day length. The following observations, measurements and comparisons describe plants grown in De Lier, The Netherlands under greenhouse conditions which approximate those generally used in commercial practice.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be basic characteristics of Pink Impala, which in combination distinguish this Chrysanthemum as a new and distinct cultivar:

1. Flat capitulum form.

2. Single, daisy capitulum type.

3. Lavender pink ray floret color.

4. Diameter across the face of the capitulum is 45-75 mm.

5. Yellow-green (immature) to yellow (mature) disc florets.

6. Excellent vigor and growth habit.

In comparison to Impala, Pink Impala has a better growth habit and more lavender pink ray florets. The flower type, capitulum form, flower size, and disc floret color of Pink Impala are similar to those same characteristics of Impala.

Pink Impala is also similar in many respects except flower color to the cultivars Salmon Impala, Cream Impala, Golden Impala and Apricot Impala, all of which are mutations of Impala and disclosed in pending applications of applicant.

The accompanying photographic drawing shows in side view typical inflorescence and foliage characteristics of Pink Impala, with colors being as true as possible with illustrations of this type.

In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart. The color values were determined between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon in August under natural daylight at De Lier, The Netherlands.

Classification:

Botanical.--Chrysanthemum morifolium, Ramat., cv. Pink Impala.

Commercial.--Cut daisy spray.

INFLORESCENCE

A. Capitulum:

Form.--Flat.

Type.--Daisy.

Diameter across face.--45-75 mm.

B. Corolla of ray florets:

Color (general tonality from a distance of three meters).--Lavender pink.

Color (upper surface).--R.H.S. 65C.

C. Corolla of disc florets:

Color (mature).--Yellow.

Color (immature).--Yellow-green.

D. Reproductive organs:

Androecium.--Present in disc florets; numerous.

Gynoecium.--Present in both disc and ray florets; numerous.

PLANT

A. General appearance:

Height.--90 cm.

B. Foliage:

Color (upper surface).--R.H.S. 147A.

Shape.--Long lobed and deeply serrated. 

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct Chrysanthemum plant named Pink Impala, as described and illustrated, and parts thereof. 